Tonsil and adenoid surgery is one of the most common operations performed on children. Tonsil surgery performed on adults
is not uncommon either. Even though tonsil and adenoid surgery is less common than before antibiotics
were found, it is still performed on children and It is a valuable
operation that improves the health of adults.
Recent studies have also shown that adenoid surgery can be beneficial in children who constantly complain of otitis media and have fluid in their middle ear.
>What is the purpose of tonsils and adenoids? These structures have a structure similar to the lymph tissue or glands found in our neck, groin and other parts of our body. These are parts of the tissue that surrounds the back of the throat like a circle. 'Nasal' is the name given to the space behind the nose.
Adenoid is located in the upper part of the throat, behind the nose and soft palate; Unlike tonsils
, they cannot be seen directly with the eye without special instruments. Tonsils are two tissues located at the back of the throat on both sides, varying in size.
Tonsils and adenoids are located at the beginning of the respiratory and digestive systems. It is one of the first tissues to come into contact with ingested food,
beverages and inhaled air. They help the body's defense. Like any
tissue, they are useful
structures as long as they perform their functions and do not become harmful to the person.
These functions occur in the first few years of life and their importance decreases in the child's later years. However,
there is no document indicating that tonsils and adenoids are important after the age of three. In a large scientific study conducted with laboratory tests and
follow-up, children who had their tonsils and adenoids removed did not have any defense disorders against any disease in their future lives.
How Are Tonsils and Adenoids?
The basic methods used in the evaluation of tonsils and adenoids are as follows:
1-Medical history
2-Physical examination
3-Bacteriological culture
4-X-ray examination
/> 5-Blood tests
6-Other possible examinations
Small mirrors or endoscopes can be used to examine your nose and throat. During the physical examination
the lymph nodes in your neck These will also be evaluated.
Bacteriological throat cultures are useful in certain cases. Your physician will decide whether or not to take a culture, depending on the condition and appearance of the throat.
In rare cases where the adenoid cannot be seen directly, x-ray examination may be useful.
What Diseases Are Tonsils and Adenoids? Effects? The most common
problems seen in the tonsils and adenoids in children are recurrent inflammation (causing sore throat) and their large size (causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing). Recurrent acute inflammation of the tonsils is also seen in adults. An abscess may form around the tonsil. Chronic tonsillitis and small pockets may form on the tonsil, causing bad breath with a cheesy appearance. A tumor may also occur in the tonsil, but it is rare.
When Should I Consult My Doctor? ?
You should consult your doctor if you see the following conditions in yourself or your child caused by inflammation and enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids: Recurrent sore throat, fever, chills, bad breath,
nasal congestion and postnasal drip, recurrent ear infections, mouth breathing, snoring and sleep disorders.
How Are Tonsil and Adenoid Diseases Treated?
Every adult or child, once or twice a year. What we mean by 'tonsil infection' is a microbial tonsil
infection that will put the person in bed, have a fever and require antibiotics.
For some children and adults, removal of tonsils and adenoids may be recommended. . The two main reasons for removing tonsils and adenoids are recurring inflammations despite antibiotic treatment (2) enlarged tonsils and difficulty breathing due to adenoids. Respiratory obstruction leads to snoring and sleep disorders, which causes hyperactivity in children and daytime sleepiness in adults. Some dentists believe that constant mouth breathing caused by large tonsils and adenoids affects the face and jaw.
They believe that their structures cause developmental disorders.
In adults, suspicion of tumor or cancer may also be a reason for tonsils and adenoids to be removed.
For some people, In diseases such as 'infectious mononucleosis', overgrown tonsils may block the airway. In these people, cortisone treatment may be beneficial.
To reiterate, in the light of today's medical knowledge, it has been decided that in the following cases, it causes harm rather than benefit to the body and tonsil surgery should be performed.
1- Having frequent tonsillitis (at least 3 times a year in the last 3 years, at least 5
times a year in the last 2 years, or at least 7 times a year in the last 1 year)
2- In case of tonsil abscess
3- If the tonsils are large enough to cause breathing or nutrition problems
4- If they are carriers of some microbes or if there is a suspicion of tumor
5- If tonsil infection persists despite appropriate antibiotic treatment
Adenoid surgery is also performed in the following cases:
1- In early childhood or newborn period, the nose is severe enough to cause breathing difficulties. Adenoid surgery can be performed even at the age of two days in children with nasal congestion.
2- In cases where it causes long-term nasal congestion, causing mouth breathing and snoring
3- Treatment is required. Unresponsive or recurrent moderate ear infections p>
6- Along with some ear operations in children,
Tonsil and adenoid operations are performed entirely through the mouth. Operations can be performed easily and safely in
summer. The basic thing is to perform the operation when necessary.
The child and his/her family should discuss this operation openly and the child's curiosity and fear should be eliminated throughout the entire incident.
Children should be treated after the operation. They should be aware that their throat will hurt. In addition, they should be assured that no important part of their body will be removed during the operation and their appearance will not change. If they have a friend who has undergone a tonsillitis operation, it is also useful to talk to him/her.
Especially in tonsil and adenoid operations, at least ten days before Aspirin
and drugs with the same content should not be used. If any other medication is used, the physician must be informed
. The physician must be informed whether the child or the family has had any problems with anesthesia before. If the patient is bleeding. Information about the problem, pregnancy, and whether cortisone is used should be given to the physician.
Starting at least six hours before the operation, the patient must stay hungry and thirsty, such as fasting. This
is prohibited, chewing gum, It also includes mouthwashes, toothpaste and water. If the prohibition is not followed, the operation may be postponed due to the possibility of vomiting of stomach contents during anesthesia.
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